Posted in Feelings, Friends, Japanese Culture, Movie, Tokyo

Movie Voucher

My friend gave me two (2) movie vouchers valid only at the movie theatre near my place – Toho Cinemas Roppongi.

The original validation date was 31 May 2020; however, the movie theatre was closed during the State of Emergency (8 April to 25 May 2020) therefore the validation date automatically extended to 31 July 2020.

Unfortunately, major movies postponed the showing date in later year such as 007 in November; therefore, I had to select a move from available movies.

I like an action movie so I decided to watch “Rambo – Last Blood” on 30 July 2020.

It was the last day of showing; therefore, it was showing only at the last show time of the day (9:30 pm – 11:25 pm).

I regretted to go alone to watch this movie at late night at isolated cinema – there were only seven (7) of us occupying a cinema.

I should have gone with a buddy because I needed somebody to calm me down after watching this movie – too much sorrow and pain.

I also reserved to watch Nausica – Princess of the Wind Valley (official English Title is “Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind”) on the following date on 31 July 2020.

The Toho Cinema was showing four Ghibli Movies – Nausica, Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke), Sen to Chihiro no Kami Kakushi (Spirited Away) and Gedo Senki (Tales from Earthsea) – for providing opportunities to watch these masterpieces once again at the movie theatre.

I wanted my space when I watch this movie (again, there were seven (7) of us); therefore, I reserved the first movie of the day (9:20 am – 11:30 am).

I know the movie and it’s story; nonetheless, it was nice to watch Nausica with a big screen.

This is my favorite Ghibli Movie with a sentimental value.

Thank you my friend!

Originally, we had a different plan – watching Frozen 2 together; however, the situation didn’t allow us to do so.

Let’s plan something together when the situation is better.

Well, I didn’t waste them and I enjoyed watching two movies!

Arigato!

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Japan Technology, Shopping

Shiseido

My friend recommended me the followings and decided to start for health and beauty.

From Left

N.O.U Brown Rice Black Vinegar for Health (Energy with Rich of Amino Acid and Citric Acid)

N.O.U Sellsizer for Health (Slimming)

Benefique White Bloom for Beauty (Whitening)

I shall see for outcome in a month with these one month supply.

Posted in Cooking, Daily Life, Exercise, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Tokyo, Work

New Normal: Back Pack and Necessaries

Today, after expiring my subway commuter pass on 15 May 2020, I didn’t renew my pass and started walking to the office.

The rainy season is over so it’s VERY HOT in Tokyo now; therefore, I need a backpack to carry many more new necessaries to the office.

These are new necessaries in addition to normal etiquettes things such as tissue, cosmetics for retouch, hand cream, wallet, cough drops and eco bag.

Evian, Body Wipe, Perfume, Cooling Towel, Ice Packs, Change (Top/Clothes)
Umbrella for Both Rain and Sum, Lunch with Lunch Bag (Thermo), Hand Towel, Handkerchief, Wireless Headphone, Extra Mask and Sanitizer.

It’s heavier now but these are necessaries.

Posted in Cooking, Daily Life, Feelings, Health, Japanese Food

New Normal: Binge Cooking

Now I bring lunch to work.

I used to go out for lunch to refresh myself but today I eat at my desk to clear my work fast in case Boss allows us to go back earlier than the clock.

I used to buy Take Out Meals from supermarket for dinner; however, during my Stay Home Period, I tried to cook as much as I can to avoid packed food.

Today, I try to continue a good practice.

To ease my weekday tasks, I binge cooking today / on Sunday,

Dumpling – freeze them as emergency food
Beef hamburgs / Beef Patty
Tomato Sauce for spaghetti, pizza, beef hamburgs, etc
Korean Style Zucchini
Dashi (Seaweed and Bonito Stock)

Hopefully these can save me from time and appetite.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Hotel, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Self Rewarding

As I mentioned before, I had vouchers from ANA which I can use them to dine and purchase at ANA Intercontinental Tokyo.

I cannot get change from the voucher; therefore, I paid the balance the other day and returned to the hotel to spend the balance of voucher: JPY 5,000 (USD 50).

I went to a Sophisticated French Pastry Shop: Pierre Gagnaire Pains et Gateaux.

First, I asked for a box of Chocolates and four flavours of Macarons.

When I was about to make a payment at the cashier, I was informed that a shop is offering 20 percent discount till 31 July 2020.

I saved JPY 1,257 (USD 12.5) which allowed me to buy am additional short cake (strawberry cream cake).

It’s fun to open boxes….although I bought them myself and knowing what are inside…

I was wondering what to eat lightly to enjoy these. Hummmm

Well, I had the best dinner: eggs, flour, milk (cream), grapes and some guilty sugar. (Some..!?)

The BEST!

I’ll try to enjoy them slowly.

Posted in Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, International Culture, Japanese Food, Surprise

The Last Day of Long Weekend

First, I taught UNO to my niece based on rules that I remember.

However, I worried what if I taught her wrongly and she gets confused when she plays the game with friends.

I checked the official rules practices by Japan UNO Association and I changed rules; yes, to my surprise there is Japan UNO Association!

She is only 5 years old and can play with adults by remembering many rules such as same Colour, same Number, Skip, Reverse, +2, +4 and WILD Card and according to the packaging, the game is designed for 7 years old and above!

I am proud of her!

We were so full from lunch the previous day so we skipped dinner and souvenir – Panda Baum (Matcha Baumkuchen or layered cake) .

After playing few games of UNO and having a light breakfast, we opened the box….there is a cute Panda!

The cake is in Panda shape!

We decorated our Panda Baum with Macarons.

It’s cute and delicious!

We all got excited, regardless our age!

It’s fourth day and last day today.

While she was packing, she asked me what date would it be her next visit?

She is asking for DATE!

I told her we should plan again on her school holiday.

I’m glad to know that she enjoyed her stay at my condo and she is looking forward to visiting me again.

On the other hand, Choco looks happier to get attentions and his quietness after guests leaving.

Yes, we finished our roles as host and we shall get some rest.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Restaurants, Tokyo

New Normal: New Style Buffet Lunch at Cascade, ANA Intercontinental Tokyo

I had JPY 20,000 (USD 200) worth of vouchers from ANA.

I’ve decided to take my niece for lunch buffet at Cascade, ANA Intercontinental Tokyo.

It’s new style (New Normal) because some dishes are ordered base and cart delivery base to control Mitsu (crowd).

We all enjoyed food and desserts

We all also received Panda Baum (cake) for a souvenir.

My niece enjoyed it very much.

I think I used my voucher wisely.

Posted in Books & Magazines, Cooking, Family, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Tokyo, Travel

Supposed to be Tokyo Olympics’ Opening Ceremony Day

It’s Japanese National Holiday, Health and Sports Day, today which I believe it was created for Tokyo Olympics.

It supposed to be Tokyo Olympics 2020 Opening Ceremony Day today.

It was National Holiday, Ocean Day, yesterday making this weekend long (4 days) .

I thought the town would be crowded with visitors and I would be glued on TV.

Japanese government launched Go to Travel Programme on 22 July 2020 to stimulate tourist industry by excluding Tokyo residences.

The government subsidies traveling cost for transportation, accommodation and coupons to use in the visited area.

However, the policy is changing even after launching.

On the other hand, the number of new case is shooting, recording 366 in Tokyo yesterday.

And the number increased not only in Tokyo but also other areas such as Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and many more.

All governors are worried after this long weekend coz many people are traveling with Go To Travel Programme

I’m enjoying long weekend with my niece and we don’t mind to stay in because we haven’t seen since New Year due to the COVID and we have so many things to do!

We’ve been playing games by creating and changing game rules.

I want her to eat healthy so I try to cook as many as I can and she volunteered to help me making dumpling!

We are having so much fun staying in!

I’m not qualified for Go To Travel Programme and it’s better to avoid crowd.

We decided to stay in but we are having so much fun!

I’ve never thought we would spend Olympics Opening Ceremony Day like this.

I like how I’m spending today though it’s different from what I imagine last year – being with family.

Stay Safe!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Tokyo

Totally Eel Day

21 July 2020 was this year’s Doyo no Ushi.

Doyo no Ushi is a date for Chinese calendar; therefore, the date for western calendar changes every year.

On Doyo no Ushi, we have a custom to eat Unagi (Eel).

We believe eel is energy food and we encourage to eat eel during summer when we lose energy.

I had my belated Doyo no Ushi (Eel’s day) on 22 July 2020 at Chikuyotei, Ginza for lunch.

It was nice and surely I gained some energy.

When I returned home, Mom reported she bought Eel Obento (take away) for dinner at our family restaurant, Shojikiya, Roppongi.

It reminded me of my grandpa.

We talked about him and memories with him while having our dinner.

I like eel so I don’t mind to have it for two continuous meals.

Each restaurant has different taste (character) on food even though it’s the same dish.

I think I managed to gain energy which I need it for now.